How big do Mini Plush Lops get?
Small. Ours usually mature at 3.5 to 5.5 pounds.
The breed goal is 3 to 4 pounds.
What is a Mini Plush Lop?
A Mini Plush Lop is a small lop-eared rabbit with a rex coat, the short, dense fur that feels like velvet. Ours usually mature at 3.5 to 5.5 pounds. It is a young, rare breed that is not yet recognized by ARBA, and families keep it as a friendly, snuggly pet.
By Joy Deffinbaugh, Sweet Huckleberry Farm. Updated October 2, 2026.
- Coat
- Rex, velvet soft
- Ears
- Lopped
- Adult size
- Usually 3.5 to 5.5 lb
- Recognition
- Not yet ARBA recognized
- Paperwork
- Pedigree, no registry
What does the coat feel like?
A little bit like hugging a velvet cloud.
All of our rabbits genetically have a rex coat. So then why do they all feel a little different from each other? In a coat, there are 3 different types of hair present, and the length, density, and proportions of each can lead to a whole different feel. We’re looking at density and “soft” feel to choose our best coats.
What is their temperament like?
Friendly, and each one is different.
Our rabbits each have distinctive personalities, from the “can I please sit in your lap” approach of Floki and Latte, to the more demure attitude of many of our does. What we will not tolerate though, is any meanness. Some people prefer the shy sweetness, others prefer the bold troublemakers. If you have a preference let us know and we will try to match you up!
Are Mini Plush Lops recognized by ARBA?
Not yet.
Since Mini Plush Lops are not yet ARBA recognized, you cannot show them in most ARBA classes. However, even ARBA shows sometimes have a pet class where they would be perfectly appropriate.
Do Mini Plush Lops come with papers?
A pedigree, yes. A registration, no.
A pedigree is simply a written record of your rabbit’s lineage. It must include 3 previous generations and usually includes their name, ear tag, and color. That’s it! No verification, no official registry to stamp it with their approval.
So is it really important? For a breeder, yes. For a pet owner, no.
Read: Pedigreed rabbits are different than registered horsesWhat should I look for in my new rabbit?
Six things: health, conformation, temperament, coat, bone and head.
Health
No one wants to buy a sick rabbit or one with precarious health. Ours are raised outdoors in tractors that offer them community (not true colony style, but only the bucks usually live alone) and a more natural lifestyle. We’ve found that routine parasite prevention mitigates most of the risks and makes this a fun and sustainable approach.
Conformation
This is how the rabbit fits together. Is she proportionate? If you’re buying a breeding doe pay special attention to the hips. As she hops away from you do you see her legs squeezed tightly together or toeing out at an odd angle? Be very wary of that. She will be prone to having stuck kits. (This is a genetic trait, so buck hips matter too!) Other things you want to see include wide shoulders, a body length that isn’t too long, and a wide, chunky front end.
Temperament
What we will not tolerate is any meanness. This can be a genetic trait and must never be propagated.
Coat
We’re looking at density and “soft” feel to choose our best coats.
Bone
Have you had someone say you should “look for one with good bone”? This just means a rabbit who’s sturdy like a draft horse rather than frail like a racehorse. The thicker, sturdier bones mean not only is your rabbit way more attractive, but also his weight is spread more evenly across his feet eliminating sore hocks and other painful problems.
Head
Let’s be honest, this is the first thing most of us notice about a rabbit. The cute puppy-dog face truly matters! Functionally, watch for good teeth and bright eyes. For breeding stock take a hard look at the crown (where the ears meet the head) watching for ears that are set far behind the eye (slipped crown) or ears that are set so close together that they don’t fully lop (tight crown).
How much does a Mini Plush Lop cost?
Pet-quality Mini Plush Lops start lower; breeding stock is usually $300 to $600. Our current listings are $50 to $350.
The price depends on whether the rabbit is pet or breeding quality, doe or buck, and its strengths and weaknesses. Flight nanny delivery is $300 plus airfare, and additional rabbits fly free.
Are Mini Plush Lops good for people with allergies?
Often, yes. They have a velvety, lower-allergy rex coat. I am allergy-prone and do well with them, but everyone is different.
If you can, spend time with a Mini Plush Lop before you bring one home, to see whether it triggers your allergies.